ULA Circuit Ultralight Backpack
ELITE tier
ULA Equipment (Ultra Light Adventure) builds packs by hand in Logan, Utah, and the Circuit has become one of the most trusted ultralight packs on long-distance trails.
Origin
Made in USA
Warranty
Lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship; in-house repair service available for all damage types including field wear
Price
~$250 (Mid)
Community
Reddit r/BuyItForLife Approved
At 39 ounces for a 68-liter capacity, the Circuit carries substantial loads — up to 35 pounds comfortably — while weighing less than half of what traditional packs in this volume class weigh. The body is 210D Robic nylon, a fabric chosen specifically for its tear and abrasion resistance relative to its weight.
The hand-built construction means each pack passes through a single sewing station, and ULA's quality control reflects a small team that personally uses their products on serious trails. The hip belt is generously padded and adjustable, the shoulder straps contour properly for heavy loads, and the aluminum stay provides frame support without the weight of a full internal frame.
ULA offers a lifetime warranty and provides in-house repair service — owner Brian Frankle and his team will fix anything from a torn mesh pocket to a worn hipbelt at cost. Thru-hikers consistently rank the Circuit among the top ultralight packs for long-distance use.
At roughly $250, it delivers cottage-industry quality and personal customer service at mainstream pricing.